This is not an endorsement or approval on my part, but a question about a new way to fight our obesity epidemic.

A new weight loss device offers a wild approach to cutting calories: draining them from the stomach before they are fully digested. The AspireAssist system consists of a thin tube implanted in the stomach, connecting to an outside port on the skin of the belly. About 20 minutes after finishing a meal, users connect the port to an external device, which drains some of the recently-consumed food into the toilet. (Eww, but OK)

Here is the safe to watch-not so gross-animated video of how it works.

 Aspire Bariatrics, based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, says its system removes about 30 percent of food stored in the stomach before it begins causing weight gain. The Food and Drug Administration approved the device on Tuesday for adults who are obese and have not been able to lose weight with other methods. Average Weight loss was 20% for the test group in Sweden.

See patient testimonials in this ABC news video, which actually shows a person using it.

After watching my mother endure a long recovery process, and painful forced lifestyle changes after gastric bypass surgery, I must admit I would be willing to try this before other methods if I was unable to lose weight any other way. It makes sense, even if it’s icky. Best of luck to all who struggle with weight. (Myself included). It is a mysterious battle that feels like fighting with swords in the dark.

Susan Saunders 6/15/16